I have decide to step over to the dark side and purchase a WJ. I just put my TJ up for sale. Here's the question for the WJ Gods:

The 2003 Grand Cherokee Limited is built as a Limited 'G' and a Limited 'K'.
The Limited 'K' is built with a Dana 44 rear with Vari Lock where as the Limited 'G' has a Dana 35 rear. The LAredo was built with an optional Dana 44 (I'm sure it is going to be difficult to find one but well worth the try)

1) How do you determine if a particular Wj Limied is a 'K' or a 'G'?
Is it in the VIN number?
2) Is there a way to determine if a WJ Laredo has a Dana 44 rear (other than kneeling down and looking under ofcourse)? Can I tell by the vin?

Thanks

 

30 Views and not a single soul knows the answer....I don't buy it. Come on brothers, someone has to know...

 

I may be wrong, but i always thought that the D44 only came on the V8 models. the I6 models i believe had the d30 up front and the d35 in the rear.

I think your best bet is going to just be getting under it and checking the tag on the diff.

best of luck with your 03, i got an 03 laredo too.

Nick

 

Welcome to CF.
The D44 only came w/the V8 so look for the V8 badge on the rear hatch.
The Vari-Lok front and rear progressive axles only came with the Quadra-Drive full-time 4WD package, so look for that badge on the rear hatch as well.
This shows it more clearly. >http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

 

Thank you for the reply. It looks like I;m going to have to upgrade it then because I really want the inline six and the NV242 Transfer case.

Can't wait to get my Grand Cherokee. I'm like a kid in a candy store. I hope my wrangler sells fast

 

This is also helpful, along with everything else on that site.

http://www.wjjeeps.com/vin.htm

The D44a only comes behind the 4.7 V8 models. It was an option in the I6s. Also, like mentioned above, the Vari-Lock are part of Quadra-Drive, but the axles require special differential fluid and finding a locker for it is more difficult I believe.

Personally, I would get a 4.7 V8 with either transfercase (247 or 242) because the V8 model comes with the way superior 5 speed 545RFE transmission compared to the 4 speed 42RE one behind the I6 WJs, not to mention V8 power, and a D44a rear axle.